Closure for collapsible tubes



Nov. 29, 1927.

A. E. SMITH CLOSURE FOR COLLAPSIBLE TUBES Filed June 8. 1926 INVENTOR.A.E.SMITH A TTORNE Patented Nov. 29, 1927.

PATENT OFFICE.

ARTHUR E. SMITH, OF LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA.

cnosonn FOR COLLAPSIBLE TUBES.

Application filed June 8,

' This invention relates to a closure for a collapsible tube.

The general object of the invention is to provide an efficient automaticvalve closure for collapsible tubes.

A specific object of the invention is to provide an elastic closuremember for a collapsible tube wherein the closure comprises a rubber capor nipple having a slit cut therein to afford an automatic closingvalve.

Another object of the invention is to provide a rubber closure caphaving a slit which is cut therein while the rubber is stretched.

Other objects of the invention will be ap parent from the followingdescription taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing my invention applied to acollapsible tube;

Fig. 2 is a longitudinal section through the closure;

Fig. 3 is a bottom view of the closure;

Fig. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view through the closure and tube;

Fig. 5 is a view similar to Fig. 4 showing the manner in which thematerial is extruded;

Fig. 6 is a top plan and Fig. 7 is a side elevation showing the mannerin which the rubber is placed under tension and the slit cut;

Fig. 8 is a sectional view through a tube and closure showing theclosure as provided with internal threads;

Fig. 9 is a sectional view through the closure shown in Fig. 7;

Fig. 10 is a bottom view of the closure shown in Fig. 8, and

Fig. 11 is a central sectional view showing a slight modification of myinvention.

eferring to the drawing by reference characters, I have shown acollapsible tube 'at 10. This tube is preferably soft and flex- 'ibleand may serve as a receptacle for dentifrice, shaving cream, paste, orother similar material. The tube is shown as provided 1926. Serial No.114,446.

with a relatively stiff end portion 11 upon which a stiff neck 12 isarranged.

A cap embodying the features of my in- Y vention is shown at 14. Thiscap includes a body portion which is preferably cylindrical and whichhas a dome-shaped end portion. The closure shown is of uniform thicknessand is preferably made of a good grade of rubber.

The closure is provided with a slit 15 which is preferably formed asshown in Figs. 6 and 7 by stretching the rubber near the end of the capwith the v fingers 16 or with other means until it is in a tautcondition and then inserting a knife 19 to cut a narrow slit. Thisprovides a slit which has a strong tendency to close whereby thematerial being extruded will be cut off as soon as the tube is releasedfrom pressure, thereby providing a sanitary closure.

In Fig. 7 I show in dotted line at 19 the end of the tube before beingstretched and at 19 I'show a knife which when pushed into the rubbercuts a slit and causes the end 7 of the tubeto assume the position shownin solid lines in Fig. 7. When the end of the tube is released the wallsof the slit come together as shown in Fi 3.

In Fig. 8 I show the closure cap as provided with internal threads 18which mate with the threads on the neck 12. The slit 15 of thismodification is preferably formed in the manner as previously described.

In Fig. 10 I show the closure as fashioned in the shape of a nurserybottle nipple 20 wherein the closure isprovided with a bead 21. Thisclosure has a slit15 made after the fashion. previously described. Inthis modification the material is of uniform thickness throughoutsubstantially all of the cap and the slit is made by stretching therubber and cutting it with a sharp instrument while stretched aspreviously described.

Although I have shown the neck of the collapsible tube as threaded, itwill be understood that this neck may present a smooth n a I member,means to hold said closure on said 10 body and over said dischargeopening, said closure having its elastic wall perforated vyhile undertension to form a discharge slit which closes when the tension isreleased.

In testimony whereof, I hereunto afiix my 15 signature.

ARTHUR E. SMITH.

